The Dakar Rally 2026 is set to take place in the Middle East, in Saudi Arabia, for the seventh time, between January 3-17, 2026, over a total of 15 days. The planned route includes 4,840 km of SS (competition sections) and a total distance of 7,994 km. The course will start from Yanbu on the western coast, head inland to Riyadh for the rest day, and then return to Yanbu for the finish.

The first half of the rally will feature rugged mountainous terrain and rocky surfaces in the northwest, offering a striking contrast of rock and sand that is as beautiful as it is brutal. The second half will shift to vast dune fields stretching across the central and southern regions, where a challenge amidst the vast sand landscape is to unfold. Two marathon stages, where assistance from mechanics is restricted and teams must complete two consecutive stages entirely on their own, will be included, one in each half of the rally. These stages will test not only speed but also machine durability and the mental strength of the competitors.

Starting in 2026, the Stock Class (formerly the Production Car category) will undergo major regulation changes. Vehicles are dedicated rally machines built on mass-produced commercial car platforms. TLC and other manufacturers have already announced their participation, setting the stage for rivalries and an exciting showdown.